Why tipping is an art form May 9, 2008

This may anger some people. Especially those that work, or have worked, in the food service industry.  But Please let me say that I have worked for the world famous El Morocco and Dunkin’ Donuts and a HUGE portion of my pay from both of those places was from tips.

I always got good tips… A. Because I never felt like I deserved one, and B. because I worked hard to earn one.

Somehow we have gotten to the point that a tip is expected, and not earned.   I reject that notion… Please note I do tip at every sit down meal.  But if your service sucks your tip sucks.  If it takes you 15 minutes to refill my drink, and when you do you are carrying the glass with your finger inside… (like what happened at this nameless restaurant) then your tip is really going to suck.

We need to reclaim the power of the tip.  bad service = a bad tip (oops try this one),  good service = Good tip.  Back when I waited tables a customer gave me a $45 because I went next door and bought them a $2 bag of pretzels when my restaurant had run out of “bar snacks.”  That tip was just for the pretzels never mind all the drinks and food I brought them during the 3 hours they occupied my booth.  They left happy and I bought a PlayStation with thier tips.

I know, I know, what about problems in the kitchen, or being short staffed, or having to many tables in different sections… I get it.  You can’t control everything.  But Let me know that problems exist.  DO NOT WHINE OR COMPLAIN, just say something like “I am going to put your order in now but the kitchen is a little backed up would you like some rolls or salad?”  or “someone called out tonight so I have a few more tables then normal, I will keep checking in but do not hesitate to grab me or any other waiter.”  Then you do need to work harder to make sure everyone is a least comfortable, drinks are always full, bread or salad to make sure the people aren’t starving, and just simply don’t ignore them… Especially when they look upset.  That is when you turn on the charm and earn your tip.

Some people will just be unpleaseable.  and some will be cheap.  You can’t help that.  Just keep smiling (a lost art in itself) and perhaps the happy customer behind you will be a little more gracious.

 

Billy

Comfort for those that can’t sleep March 10, 2008

I couldn’t sleep so I decided to check my feeds.  First up was this story on Ragamuffinsoul.

 I read a story of a pastor that in the span of a week has left his church his wife and his kids… for a married woman.  And I felt angry.

I read a Blog about this story from the former Worship leader of that church.  And felt angry and sad… but more sad now.

My heart started to do that fluttery thing like when you have a deep chill or are all hopped up on adrenaline after a car accident.  And although it’s cold out the flutter isn’t from that.  It’s because by heart is broken for those families and that church.  I am less angry now.

I have never been too the church, and as far as I know I don’t know anyone that has been there.  Yet I feel for them.  I have read the pastors blog before and thought he had some great insights and pearls of wisdom.  That is my only real connection to this situation.  But I feel so involved and so connected.

Perhaps it hits home as I am in ministry and had an argument with my wife tonight over something stupid.  A baby gate for those interested.  Now I don’t think that my ministry and his are anywhere even close to the same level (he was pastor of  a multi-camps church) or that my wife and I are going to split over a baby gate.  But it is sobering.  And calls things into perspective. 

It makes me appreciate my wife and all the incredible things she does.  from working full time, volunteering at the church, cleaning the house, raising 2 girls (and 1 husband), balancing the difficult schedules and keeping everyone happy.  She is a wonder women and I probably don’t tell her that enough…

Then I read a blog from my friend Jeff.  How true are the words of Matthew 5:4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.  They came at a great time for me.  and Jeff I too am emotional as I write them.  God is here (with me), God is there (with the family and friends of the pastor), and God is with you.  He comforts those who mourn.

Peace,

Billy

did I miss something? March 4, 2008

When did atheism become a religion?  In order to have religion don’t you need to have a common belief IN something?  Specifically I would think something spiritual.  I hardly think the common belief that their is no “higher power” constitutes a religion.

What do you think?

Also please note I am not trying to anger atheists.  I am trying to see how people are defining religion.

Later,

Billy

xtreeeeeeme March 1, 2008

why is it that people go to extremes?  Sky diving, and Bungee Jumping are one thing but why do people point to extremes to make a point?

What ever political or religious affiliation you follow I am sure you have heard how absurd your stance on X, Y, and Z is. 

Let’s look at the debate on whether or not it should be OK for homosexual couples to adopt.  The pro-tradition side says that a child raised in that environment will have a warped sense of right and wrong.  Their views on gender will be destroyed.  They will grow up distrusting, and hating men.  And worse of all they will shot Laser beams from there eyes.  While the pro-gay side will say that the gay or lesbian couple will love and care for that child more than the drunken redneck that beats his prostitute wife and burns the “family” dog with cigarettes.

Wow!  When you look at those arguments you hardly no where to start.  On one hand you have a drunken wife beater and on the other hand you have a child that shoots laser beams at men.  Can you really compare the best of one world with the worst of another?  Isn’t it apples and oranges?  If you want to truly accomplish something more than just being heard you should compare your best with there best and be brave enough to compare your worst to there worst.

We even use extremes when talking about little meaningless things.  “That pepper was like a million degrees!” ” My boss is the biggest jerk.”  Really?  Cause my boss is a pretty big jerk too.

It drives me crazy.  Shouldn’t we focus on the common ground?  If we made the common ground a pleasant place to be don’t you think that more people would join us there?  Then we could find other things we had in common.  Think of the influence you could have.

The problem is that the conversation will eventually get around to our differences and we will both push away.  Accusing the other side of some outrageous extreme that in our hearts we know isn’t what they believe.  They will do the same thing and before you know it no one is talking to each other.  Everyone looks inward and thinks they are more and more right and everyone else is crazy.

Marriages are destroyed because of this.  Friendships crumble.  And we are left alone.  Relationships that once thrived are left in ruin because one person took their “ball” and went home.

What do we do about this?  Tell me what you think.  I promise you this though.  If you take anything I said to an extreme I will delete your comment and not read it.  Call me closed minded.  But I like people and I want to think the best of them.  So I will choose to focus on the common ground and cultivate it.  I will pray that when our common ground is “the place to be” we will have enough respect for each other to talk civilized about what divides us and perhaps redraw our boundaries.  Giving in a little here and gaining a little there. 

Later,

Billy

Where is “Rev.” Al Sharpton? January 24, 2008

This man needs no introduction.  If there is a buck to be extorted and a T.V. camera he is there.   A week or so ago he was grand standing and demanding that Golf Chanel Anchor Kelly Tilghman be fired for her comments, saying that if new golfers want to beat Tiger woods they would have a better chance if they “Lynched him in a back alley” 

   Now I have seen the Video and what she said was out of line and inappropriate.  I also think it was a VERY bad attempt at being funny.  I don’t think she understood the power of the word she choose.  But I also don’t think she meant anything by it.  It was just unfortunate.

But today Dawns with the news that Dana Jacobson (from ESPN First Take, and Cold Pizza… same show different name)  made Drunken remarks at a Notre Dame Roast for fellow ESPN hosts Mike Greenberg, and Mike Golic.  At the roast she said “F*** Notre Dame, F*** Touchdown Jesus, and you know what F*** Jesus!”

She has apologized and is on a leave from ESPN.

So Where is “REV”. Al Sharpton?  He is as much a Reverend as he is Black, is he not?  After all his title is ”Rev. Al Sharpton” not “Black Al Sharpton”, or “Minority Al Sharpton.”  Where is the outrage over Dana’s Remarks?  As a christian, as a pastor, shouldn’t he be just as offended?  If Jesus where black (a controversy we won’t touch here) would he be in front of Camera’s screaming, sweating, barking and demanding justice?

Also where is the ESPN coverage?  They have read her Apology once in each sports center show. but in the same show they have run an interview with some black guy that thinks Tiger Woods she be more offended, by the comments that Tilghman made 2 or 3 times. 

Now I am not saying that I want Sharpton or his “Conservative” Counter part Rev. Jesse Jackson, to say anything.  I really hope they don’t.  I hope that they continue to strut like peacocks when there is a dollar to be made and a race issue to pimp.  Because then I think more people will see them for what they really are Race Bullies.

Also I as a christian what Dana Jacobson said doesn’t affect me.  How can I expect anyone to respect my Savior and creator when there are people walking around with the Title of REV. making us all look like fools.  Why would I expect some one that isn’t a follower of Christ to act like a Christ follower?

Join with me in praying for all of these people. Sharpton, Jackson, Tilghman, and Jacobson.

One more not there is a college basketball coach Ron Hunter from http://www.iupui.edu/(Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis) that is going to be coaching tonight Barefoot.  He is doing this to raise awareness for www.samaritansfeet.org a group that raise funds, and collects Shoes to send to Children in Africa.  I thought this was amazing and something you folks might be interested in.

 Later,

Billy

Excellence January 15, 2008

I wrote a blog the other day in response to a blog about the lack of excellence in Christian music and Christian art as a whole.  Which has lead to more thoughts.

!st.  My Pastor Spoke a while back on the idea of excellence.  It is also a running theme in our staff meetings.  The idea of doing things with excellence can seem daunting, and unattainable.  However striving for excellence and doing things as excellently as WE can, is a spiritual act of worship.  If we skimp out on things and take the easy way out that is not only a reflection on us but also our Creator.  And I don’t think he took the easy road in creating us.

2nd.  I forgot to mention one of my favorite Christian artists.  He is Derek Webb, formerly(and i guess now currently) a member of Caedmon’s call.  He has several albums all with an acoustic folksy style.  He is NOT the typical Right wing christian.  In fact in one of his songs he says that the 2 biggest lies he has heard is first “if you eat of the fruit of this tree you WILL NOT surly Die” (the snake to eve) and second “that Jesus Christ was/is a white middle class republican.”  Talk about not mailing it in.  He constantly challenges “the way things are.”  There is no fluff with this cat, he is completely sold out to finding the heart of God where ever it may be.

3rd.  Check out my friend Jeff’s Blog.  he is a member of our church’s lead team and a thinker.  Picture the statue of the guy on the toilet entitled “the thinker.”  That is Jeff.  Anyway he sparked a little controversy and personally I think it is great.  He is seeking out some biblical truth and could use some input.  Who would of thought someone looking to the bible for answers would be so criticized?

Later,

Billy